PIA Press ReleaseFriday, January 20, 2012

CAR Police Director engages more sectors for peace

BANGUED, Abra, Jan. 20(PIA)-- The top police officer in the region recently met with the Provincial Peace and Order Council, fraternities, motorbike owners and associations, and private armed groups(PAGs) in a continuing peace-building mission in the province.

“In the past years, we had witnessed various forms of violent incidents, and we cannot deny that most of these incidents happened in Abra which is a challenge for us to improve our province. Let us help one another in restoring our security.” CSupt. Benjamin B. Magalong said during the inauguration of the newly constructed outpost of the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC) last January 16 here.

Magalongalso reminded the PPOC members led by Governor Eustaquio P. Bersamin that development depends highly on peace and order which 'no one but us should spearhead'. ''It is not enough that I am here to make that peace and order works that is why I am soliciting your support to help bring back the peace and beauty of our province,” he said.

In his meeting with the motorbike owners and association representatives, Magalong proosed the use of stickers to monitor the movement of all single motors since most of the shooting incidents in the province are committed by suspects riding in tandem. The group did not agree with the proposal, but Magalong appreciated their active participation in said consultation.

The fraternity members and leaders were given the opportunity to speak out their minds and sentiments and they gave their commitment and support in crime prevention.

The meeting with the PAGS was equally fruitful with of the cooperation displayed by the political leaders who brought along with them their PAGs for adjudication process in order to clear their names against derogatory reports on their person.

Since there is no prescribed procedure yet adopted by the national headquarters of the PNP regarding the handling of the PAGs,a certificate of undertaking was made that these PAGs will no longer hold arms and will no longer allow themselves to be used for political harassment. Moreover, these PAGs are already accounted for and are now under the custody of the mayors, Magalog said.

Magalong and the other police officers gave their cellphone numbers to the participants in the consultations so they can text anyone of them in case of emergencies, or in case they witness crimes or whatever incidents that need the immediate response or assistance.

Magalong also took the opportunity to thank on air the Peace Conveners’ group as he said, “even if they are very silent, they are actively pursuing their peace advocacy.” (JDP/MTBB-PIA CAR,Abra)